A "rare" red weather warning has been issued for parts of Wales as Storm Eunice approaches.
The forecasting service upgraded the warning on Thursday as it tracks the storm that is developing the Atlantic and is due to hit on Friday. The warning is in place from 7am until 12pm on Friday, February 18. You can read latest updates on the storm here.
The Welsh coast between Swansea and Chepstow, as well as parts of England are included in the red alert area. Read more about how windy it will be where you live in our latest Met Office forecast here.
Under a red alert, the Met Office says to Wales can expect flying debris "resulting in danger to life" and "damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down."
It also means uprooted trees are likely, and road, bridge and railway line closures. These are all the schools that are closing.
The Met Office added: "Storm Eunice will bring extremely strong winds across parts of southwest England and south Wales".
What the Met Office says to expect in areas covered by the red warning:
- Flying debris resulting in danger to life
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Uprooted trees are likely
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.”
“The red warning area indicates a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris. Although the most exposed coastal areas in the south and west could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 70-80mph for most within the amber warning area.”
Traffic Wales added: "We anticipate dangerous driving conditions across the network tomorrow and do advise people to only travel if necessary."
The rest of Wales remains on amber alert from 3am to 9pm.
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